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New Nelsonian buys bay cafe

The Cable Bay Cafe, stalled by a severe weather event in 2011 but re-opened last year by a new owner, has now changed hands again. English newcomer Nicki and her Kiwi husband Cameron Lawes have established themselves in North Nelson and have bought the cafe from James and Tracey Perry.

Dr Lawes said owning the cafe was a dream come true. She and her husband had been keen on the business at the time the Perrys bought it, but the timing wasn't great for them. When they eventually moved here they offered to buy the cafe, and secured the sale.

Dr Lawes has a background in scientific management and hospitality and is a keen baker. Mr Lawes is a barrister in newly formed Nelson barristers practice, Resolution Chambers. "This opportunity arose and it's a bit of a dream, especially if you like to bake, but it's much more than that," Dr Lawes said.

She said the location was a "beautiful, beautiful place" and such a short hop from the city, yet it felt "miles away from anywhere". The cafe will be open year-round, for the first time staying open Friday to Sunday for the winter season.

Supermarket expands

New World supermarket in Vanguard St is finalising the purchase of the adjacent vacant site, where the Kirkpatrick building once stood. The building which once housed the vehicle testing company VTNZ, a tender centre and engineering firm, was demolished last year after a fire. It is understood the supermarket is looking to extend its car parking area. "We are currently finalising the purchase of the property in Vanguard St, adjacent to Nelson New World. At this stage, we have not determined what our development plans will be," communications director Antoinette Shallue said.

Designer adds colleague

British-trained architect Lyn Russell has joined local design studio Joanne Richards Design, to meet the demand of increasing activity in Nelson's residential building and renovations market, combined with the demand for architects and designers in Christchurch. "With the growth in local renovations, and the added inflow of work from further afield, I needed another designer who shared my design ethos but was experienced and capable in her own right," Ms Richards said.

Joanne Richards Design is a founding member of the Project design build cluster which has been actively developing relationships within the Christchurch building industry. "It's a great thing for Nelson. I'm delighted to have room in the practice for a talented young designer like Lyn, and I hope other designers and architects are able to offer the same opportunities."

Former mayor Aldo Miccio is on the move, but possibly not much further away than his current residence. The family's Hardy St house with a capital value of $1.09 million is on the market. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home on is on a 976-square-metre site. Mr Miccio said they were looking for a larger house in central Nelson, or possibly a site on which they would build a new home. He said they were seeking bigger living spaces for their children. "We're thinking of buying an existing house in the city or land to build on," Mr Miccio said.

Cantina has facelift

It's time to say Hola! to the reborn Nicola's Cantina which re-opened in new premises in central Nelson on Thursday.

The Church Lane cantina, (formerly Sapphire bar), sports a good-sized kitchen with gas cooker which owner Nicola Cantrick didn't have in former premises in Vanguard St. The Mexican themed cafe emphasises regional and seasonal food, and the fresh vegetable juices which have become "hugely popular" at Nicola's Cantina.

The decor has been built around existing parquet flooring and Indian style wooden fretwork in the ceiling, back-lit with brilliant pink lighting. Business partner and artist Ross Coeland has had a hand in the styling, which includes a bright mural on the street frontage "smoking lounge". "People who smoke won't be sent to purgatory, but to this lovely spot and children can play in the courtyard out the back," Ms Cantrick said.

Table numbers feature traditional Mexican "lotto cards", so you can look at the picture on each and learn Spanish while you eat. The cantina will be open seven days with lunch available from noon to 2pm and dinner from 5pm.

Vanguard coffee spot

Nelson has been blessed with yet another coffee option. This time it's the Coffee Cobana espresso stop which has been set up on a corner of the site occupied by Nelson property maintenance business Manor Property Services (MPS) and the car valet yard about to be opened in Vanguard St.

MPS approached Lee Fern of the Sprig & Fern to set up the coffee cart which is being run by Rachel James who worked at the Hardy St Sprig & Fern Tavern. "It's going really well. A lot of customers from the Sprig are supporting us. With the car grooming business about to open behind us, people will be able to drop in for a coffee."

Ms James viewed another coffee establishment as being good for consumers. "At the end of the day Nelson should be happy everyone is spoiled for choice." The coffee cart sells Havana coffee from Wellington. It will also soon be selling lunch fare such as pies, filled rolls and "sweet treats".